Netanyahu finishes corruption-trial testimony after 98 hearings
The prime minister leaves the stand calling the case a 'Stasi' operation as a verdict slips toward 2027 and an election toward autumn
Summary
Benjamin Netanyahu completed his testimony in Israel's long-running corruption trial on 24 June, after 98 hearings spread over 18 months across Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. He first took the stand on 10 December 2024; the prosecution's final cross-examination ended 16 June. Defence lawyer Amit Hadad re-examined on Cases 1000 and 4000. The charges — fraud and breach of trust in all three cases, plus one bribery count in Case 4000 — carry up to 10 years. Netanyahu left the stand denouncing a "police state" and "Stasi" prosecution and accusing investigators of "setting traps." Closing arguments and a verdict are not expected before 2027, with appeals potentially running to 2028-2029 — well past the election now due by 27 October.
By the numbers
- 98 — trial hearings over 18 months; testimony began 10 Dec 2024.
- 3 — cases (1000, 2000, 4000); one bribery count, in Case 4000.
- 10 — maximum years' imprisonment on the bribery charge.
- 2027 — earliest expected verdict; appeals could reach 2029.
Why it matters
The timeline puts any verdict beyond the autumn vote, so the trial shapes the campaign rather than the outcome. Netanyahu's "persecution" framing doubles as an electoral message; the same charges anchor a parallel coalition push to repeal the breach-of-trust offence and a stalled bid for a presidential pardon.
What to watch
- Scheduling of closing arguments and whether the verdict slips past 2027.
- Movement on the coalition bill to repeal the fraud-and-breach-of-trust offence.
- Any revival of pardon or plea-deal talks via President Herzog.